JOHANNESBURG, (CAJ News) – A SET of introductory technology courses have been introduced to assist South African matriculants interested in the technology sphere to decide upon an appropriate career path.

The courses titled SAP in Seven Hours are a culmination of a partnership between SAP Africa and Dr HB Prinsloo Consulting Services, an SAP Education Partner.

The introduction of the courses comes amid nearly 700 000 South African matric learners finish their final exams this year. These will face the daunting prospect of either finding a job or pursuing tertiary studies.

The course is being offered both the in classroom and online with classes limited to 25 students. Plans are being developed with Dr HB Prinsloo Consulting affiliates to expand the course to more locations across the
continent in over 17 countries.

Dr Herman Prinsloo, an executive at the business consultancy firm, said most matriculants in South Africa found it difficult to become employable or enter the job market due to the gap between skills supply and demands.

“This is largely attributed to the fact that many schools very often do not adequately prepare students for the labour market,” said Prinsloo.

He said training, even at tertiary level, was often theoretical and students faced an immense challenge in translating theoretical knowledge into practical action.

The course has been structured in such a way that it provides learners with a starter overview of SAP software and functionalities in a practical, user-friendly manner.

Pfungwa Serima, Executive Chairman at SAP Africa, said the company was committed to helping support South Africa’s skill development and job creation agenda through various education-based initiatives related to the
SAP Skills for Africa vision.

“Government and the private sector must make every effort to proactively grow the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) skills base in this country’s as the industry is one of the few that is still generating jobs,” said Serima.

He said the SAP in Seven Hours course has been designed to stimulate a grassroots interest in ICT.

“Bridging courses of this kind have the potential to lay the foundation for successful careers and ultimately a meaningful contribution to the country’s economy,” added Serima.

The SAP in Seven Hours will be held on selected days between November, December, January and February at a cost of R2 500.